Energy Star

The Environmental Protection Agency has a campaign to replace a least one conventional light bulb with an ENERGY STAR-qualified alternative. (www.energystar.gov)

This campaign is designed to promote energy-efficient products.  What if you could design an energy-efficient work product?  What would this look like?  What would be the payback for the employer and the employee?

Using the EPA guidelines of a “proven strategy for superior energy management” you can improve your energy, performance and plant the seeds for a positive work environment.

Step 1: Make Commitment

Decide to create a strategy to maximize your energy

Step 2: Assess Performance

Consider the 4 sources of energy:  physical, spiritual, mental and  emotional.
Select one source of energy to maximize. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your current energy for performing work?
Determine what gives you energy and what drains your energy with  that particular source. (Example:  Current energy is 4. Maximize mental energy.  Creative writing energizes and administrative tasks drain energy)

Step 3:  Set Goals

Set specific, measurable, realistic and time sensitive goals.  Post the goals in a prominent place on your desk or in your work station. (Example: To increase mental energy, write on the topic, "This I Believe" three times/week for one hour in the morning before beginning other duties.)

Step 4:  Create Action Plan

(Example:  Write before 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Post reminder in front of computer.  Make large green check-mark on calendar at completion of each writing session).

Step 5:  Implement Action Plan

Do not schedule meetings prior to 9:00 on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. Notify assistant not to disturb between 8:00 and 9:00 unless there is a fire or other huge emergency.(Example:  Post writing time on calendar for 8:00 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Begin Nov. 5.)

Step 6:  Evaluate Progress

After 6 weeks, evaluate on scale of 1-10, your level of energy. Evaluate on scale of 1-10, satisfaction with administrative tasks completed.  How many days were you able to follow writing schedule.(Example: Energy is now 10. and satisfaction with administrative tasks is 9. Able to write for all but 2 days.)

Step 7:  Recognize Achievements

How has increased level of energy impacted work? (Example:Clarifying beliefs helps to see how work fits into other areas of life and appreciate "big picture.")

What administrative tasks have you completed as a result of this added energy?)  (Example:  Compiled research data in files to use for future presentations.)

By creating an energy-efficient work product, you become more engaged in your work and your performance reflects a new brightness to create star power within your organization.